"A disappointment" - Arteta reacts to key player missing the World Cup, Arsenal fans can't believe it

Mikel Arteta labelled Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes’ absence from the Brazil World Cup squad a “disappointment”.

Arsenal duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have both been included in Tite’s 26-man squad for Qatar.

However 24-year-old defender Gabriel was not included, despite having impressed at the heart of the Gunners' defence this term.

Arsenal are two points clear at the top of the Premier League, partly due to the solid defensive base provided by Gabriel and William Saliba.

However, Gabriel was still omitted from the Brazil squad, with Tite instead opting for centre-backs Thiago Silva, Gleison Bremer, Eder Militao and Marquinhos.

Arteta disappointed by the omission

Though disappointed Arteta insisted that Gabriel could use his omission as a source of motivation in the future.

Arteta said: “For Gabi, it’s a disappointment, but when you look at the squad that they have and the experience they have in that position, you have to understand that and it’s another challenge for him.

“He needs to be ready for the next one, he needs to improve and carry on with the good things that he’s been doing.”

Alamy

It was always unlikely that Gabriel would make the Brazil squad, despite his glittering form, as he is yet to have made his senior debut for the national team.

At present, he has only represented Brazil at under-20 and under-23 level.

Smiles on faces

Elsewhere, Arteta was pleased that Jesus and Martinelli will travel to Qatar.

On their inclusion, Arteta said: “They have big smiles on their faces.

“For Gabi Martinelli, it’s his first one and I think it’s a huge achievement to be part of the national team. For Gabby Jesus, it’s great as well because he needed that call after what happened in the last one.

“Obviously there is a lot of attention and a lot of media coverage. I’m sure they get asked a lot of questions because it’s a matter of days now.

“You cannot stop that but we want to keep our players as focused as possible on the job that they have to do for the club in the next two games.”